Dear Miss Behavin’: This past month, I’ve been potty training my pup. She’s crate-trained, fed twice daily, water removed before bedtime, and has potty-outings three times a day. She still has accidents inside the house. Shouldn’t she be potty-trained by now?

Answer: Potty training is time-intensive. It’s assumed dogs can be house-trained in a few weeks, which can be the case for some precocial pups. However, with laidback potty routines, most dogs are partially house-trained. The dog learns outside is a good place but fails to understand inside is a complete no-no. For a foolproof potty routine try these tips:

Forewarning: This won’t be easy and must be carried out for months. Expect accidents; avoid being upset.

Once your pup wakes, take her out of confinement (crate), head straight to the outdoor potty spot; leash up for increased control. Be stationary, silent; do not distract. Wait for her to eliminate No. 1 and No. 2. When she’s about to potty, you can say “potty” to associate the cue with the act. Once she finishes, reward with praise and treats. If she successfully does both No. 1 and No. 2, have her come inside, feed breakfast or offer playtime. If she didn’t do both, place her back into confinement for 15 minutes. Then repeat the protocol.

You may be performing this four to six times each session. Usual potty times are 15-20 minutes after eating or drinking and every time she wakes up. Be consistent. If you give up, decide to take a break or give free-access, most likely an accident will occur.

If you’re uncomfortable with re-confining, offer free-time in a small area but watch her like a hawk. The moment she displays potty signals (ground sniffing, circling, or stopping in play), swiftly leash her and head outside. If you catch her in the act, happily distract her and rush her outside to finish. If she eliminates, reward.

If this rigid process seems like excessive work, remember that the only other option is cleaning up your dog’s messes for the rest of her life.

Terri Wong is the behavior coordinator at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. For more information, visit www.phs-spca.org or call 650-340-7022, ext. 317.

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